Skoda Superb test drive since 2008 -

Dancing on Ice

Skoda Superb. Price: 1079000 rub. On sale: since November 2009
It is one thing to ride on public roads, and another pass the harsh test of ice and snow. The uncompromising test of the all -wheel drive Skoda Superb took place under the Swedish city of Kirun, which is two hundred kilometers from the polar circle. The places are damn like our Siberia

Test pilot
Stanislav Pavlov, 37 years old, deputy. editor -in -chief of the magazine, driving experience for 20 years, personal car - Mazda6
The world premiere of Skoda Superb of the next generation took place in the fall at the Paris Motor Show. It's time to check the novelty in the case. It often happens that the test drives of new cars are arranged in the paradise of the planet, where palm trees and parrots sitting on them are perceived as the most boring reality like our poplars with ravens. Resting in those places is really nice. But the local climate and roads have little to do with what we are faced with daily in Russia. Therefore, it is impossible to consider such tests in an effective way. Fortunately, this time it turned out differently.
The Skoda Superb test was decided to organize in Kirun a Swedish city, which is located two hundred kilometers from the polar circle. This settlement is notable for several things. Firstly, under it there are coal mines that have exhausted their resources. And now there is a risk of failure of the whole city with the inhabitants of these voids. They say that soon all the inhabitants of the town are waiting for a fascinating resettlement to another place. Secondly, for some reason no one talks about this, there is a successfully acting Swedish-German cosmodrome. And thirdly, which is especially important to us, both in climate and in Kirun’s architecture, very reminiscent of Siberian cities like Khanty-Mansiysk. And if so, then nothing better can be invented.
To test the new Czech car, a frozen lake was chosen near the local airport. The full -wheel drive version of Skoda Superb in the Elegance configuration, which is offered in our market for 1079 thousand rubles. To properly understand what we are dealing with, first we will dwell on the motor. The 1.8 TSI engine, which is the main one for the new Superb, develops 160 liters. With. (118 kW). The maximum torque value is 250 nm at 1500 4200 min-1, and the car can accelerate to 220 km/h. Only 8.6 seconds are required to accelerate to 100 km/h. The average level of gasoline consumption deserves applause: 7.6 liters per hundred mileage. For the test, we chose an option with a manual 6 -speed gearbox, but if anyone wants, you can order a car with a 7 -speed DSG.
It is clear with the motor, we’ll talk about all -wheel drive. We are talking about the Haldex system of the last, fourth generation, which is installed not only on Superb, but also on Octavia Combi/Scout. Until recently, the Haldex II coupling was used as a device for transmitting torque to the rear axle. The design of the new Haldex IV coupling is also based on the use of multi -disc clver, however, the principle of inclusion of the coupling decided to modify. A mechanical hydraulic pump was excluded from the structure, the functions of which, to create the necessary effort of compressing a multi -disc clown package, were laid on high -pressure electric pump. The supply of pressure on the piston for compressing the package is carried out by a modified electronic unit through an electromagnetic modulation valve.
Technique technique, but it's time to return to the tests. As already mentioned, the main test, not counting the ride on general roads, took place on the frozen lake. At a temperature of minus 20 degrees, we had to go first a fairly long meter of four hundred snakes, and then train the side skid when driving in a circle with a diameter of about twenty meters. The detour of orange cones, even at a fairly high speed, is boring. The fact is that stabilization systems are constantly interfering in the management, which minimize the driver’s independence. According to technical experts, when developing the chassis, special attention was paid to the creation of a balanced relationship between high -speed and comfort. The machine copes with average bumps perfectly. In this case, the cranes of the body are practically excluded. The new electromechanical steering mechanism provides good control in any traction modes.
The second test, that is, movement in lateral sliding in a circle, must be done with disconnected stabilization systems. Otherwise, the car categorically does not want to go sideways. It all depends on the driver's skill. The main thing is not to twist the steering wheel, skillfully playing the accelerator pedal. A circle on the tenth begins to work out. The main conclusion: The all -wheel drive Skoda Superb is suitable for operation in our conditions. The case is to convince the buyers of this.
We do not love
Additional compartments in the roof are designed for a variety of trifles. Here is the corporate identity of Volkswagen. COMFORTABLE
If you need an additional place for baggage, you can fold the rear seats, and the luggage compartment will become just huge. Spacious

Driving
While moving on a slippery coating, the driver for a second does not disappear in his abilities and forces of the car. For this, you should thank the new all -wheel drive system.
Salon
The salon is as close as possible to the premium class. True, the audience buying luxury cars is characterized by conservativeness. How long will people get used to such Skoda?
Comfort
For the comfort of Skoda Superb, one could put a solid five, if not one but two, who are sitting on the front seats of the well -fed men in the winter jackets are constantly in contact with their sleeves. Narrow.
Safety
There is no doubt that the car developed by Volkswagen will receive the highest ratings at the Euro NCAP Crash tests.
Price
If you compare the price of Superb with other Skoda models, then it may seem too high. But if you look at the cost from the point of view of competitors, it turns out cheap.
Advantages and disadvantages
+ Excellent handling, good dynamic characteristics, high -quality salon materials.
- insufficient width of the salon for large men.

Specifications
Mark and model - Skoda Superb
Dimensions - 4838x1817x146 mm
The engine is gasoline, 4 -cylinder, in order, 1.8 TSI, 1798 cm3, 160 liters. With.
Transmission - mechanical, 6 -speed
 
Dynamics - Max 217 km/h, 8.7 to 100 km/h
Competitors - Volvo S80, Audi A6.

Our opinion
The all -wheel drive Skoda Superb has every chance of becoming a real bestseller of the Russian market. True, there is an opinion that Octavia 4x4 creates internal competition with a senior counterpart. Meanwhile, the car itself deserves the highest assessments in dynamic characteristics and controllability.

Author: Stanislav Pavlov
 

 

Source: Magazine 5 wheel [March 2009]